Any Ways to Increase Gas MIleage

[pyrat]

This June I purchased my first Buell...a 2009 Firebolt. It's one of the most enjoyable motorcycles I've ever been on. In reading some of these posts, I'm seeing that people are getting gas mileage between 30 mpg and 60 mpg.

I have just under 3000 miles on the bike so far. From the beginning, I've been getting about 40 mpg. While I don't usually "ride it like I stole it", I'm not exactly a "follow the speed limit" rider either. Spirited is probably the best word to describe my riding style.

My question is this...can I do anything to increase my average mpg, or, since I'm not really the most confident mechanic, is there something I can ask my dealer to do to increase my average mpg.

 

[sk8ace]

I have been getting around 55mpg on my 07 with 5,500 miles on it. Has K&N, custom ECM and D&D exhaust. I prob have the same riding style as you do. The owner before me said he really babied it and I believe him lol. From what I read, these bikes only get better with age when it comes to gas mileage. (unless there is something really wrong with it) I honestly don't know if these mods help or not.. but I like the results! You probably wont have any luck at the dealer...

 

[Midnight82]

The easiest way to increase MPG is to start riding like your grandmother would.

Ease up on that throttle Hoss.

 

[pyrat]

Yes...I realize that driving slower would increase gas mileage, but if I wanted to go slower, I would have just bought a Harley.

Seriously though is there anything mechanically that can be done to increase mpg? Does the bike get better with time as sk8ace says?

 

[Supermanrider]

what rpms are you cruising at in town? you might be able to drop them down a few and get a few more mpg

 

[pyrat]

Usually around 3000 rpms or so in town. Is that too high? Should I drop down a little? Is the average mpg that people get really that much higher? Is there something that could be adjusted on the bike to increase mileage?

 

[ridendude]

yup- the throttle

 

[1001yos]

I'm not even sure if changing the final drive ratio would help very much. We should be pretty happy considering my old 600 inline 4 gave 50 mpg on a good day with a final drive ratio to give more top end.
But seriously, unless you want to drive a single cyl, the easiest and cheapest way is to keep it under 60mph.

 

[Stevenc150]

Pyrat, not a whole lot you can do besides getting a custom tune through Ohio Sportbike or JTS Performance - contact them for further details.

Also, make sure you've got Full bike-specific oils in the Primary and Engine can't do anything but help.

 

[hula Buell]

Make sure you got enough oxygen in them tires.Switch to synthetic oil.Wear aero dynamic clothes.Ease up a tad on the throttle.Think ahead and use your grey matter to figure out how to cheat the fuel injectors...